Obituary of Philip Alan Sears

Pastor Philip Alan Sears, 73, met his Lord Jesus on January 23, 2022. Born on November 7, 1948 in Corning, NY to his late parents Austin Jasper and Eleanor (Mitchell) Sears Sr.

Phil was born again on July 24, 1965 when he came to know Jesus as a personal savior. After graduating from East High School in 1966, he received a call from the Lord to become His minister. He received his undergraduate degree at Piedmont Bible College and went on to receive his master’s degree at Clarks Summit University in 1992 with BABS and MMIN degrees with an emphasis on original languages and Biblical Interpretation.

During his education at Piedmont, Phil met his future bride, the former, Bonita Bryant. In 1969 they were married, and for the next 52 years, they shared a beautiful life filled with faith and family.  In 1973 they moved back to Phil’s hometown of Corning, NY where Phil served as the interim pastor at Borden Baptist Church, Borden, NY, the next year he served the Quackenbush Hill Community Church outside Corning, NY.  For 17 years, he was the pastor of Christian Church of Charleston in Montgomery County, NY where he served until 1994 before becoming a member of the East Glenville Community Church. At East Glenville Community Church, he served as an elder and then church moderator, becoming a pastoral staff member in 2004. 

When Pastor Sears was not sharing his love for Jesus and helping others through pastoral care, Phil enjoyed traveling with his wife; fond memories were created in Canada, Mexico, throughout the state of California, and the city of Boston, MA, among numerous destinations. A Boston RedSox and Pittsburgh Steelers sports fan, who loved spending time at home, gardening, reading engineering magazines, and cooking. He also volunteered his time to the Charleston 4 Corners Fire Department, Schenectady City Mission, and held monthly services at Kingsway Arms Nursing home.  

Pastor Phil Sears will always be remembered for his friendly smile and ability to connect with everyone he met. He truly had an aura about him that radiated positivity and goodness.

Predeceased by his siblings, Linda, Austin, and David Sears. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Bonita Sears, foster children, Dean Kleitgen, Drew Kleitgen, and Dale Kleitgen; siblings, Beatrice (Roger) Beebe, Frank (Marty) Sears, Kathy Merrill, Brian (Cheryl) Sears, Arlene Sears Closky; sister-in-law, Darlene Bryant Morton; as well as several grandchildren, and dozens of nieces and nephews. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at East Glenville Community Church on Saturday, February 5th at 11 AM. A calling period will be held prior at the church from 10 to 11 AM. Burial will be private at the family’s convenience in Virginia. 

Memorial contributions may be made to East Glenville Community Church, 335 Saratoga Road, Glenville, NY 12302. 

Online condolences may be made at glenvillefuneralhome.com